Nigerian International Victor Moses who plies his trade in the English Premier League for Chelsea  has made a shocking decision to retire from International football.

The Nigerian debuted for his country in 2012, and he featured in two World Cups, most recently in Russia this summer where he scored from the spot against Argentina. Only a late goal in that game prevented progression to the knockout stages.

He was an integral member of the Super Eagles’ side that won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, scoring twice and being named in the Team of the Tournament as well as picking up the Fair Player of the Tournament prize.

Moses tweeted his decision this afternoon with an explanation for his decision to retire at the age of 27, saying he wanted to ‘focus fully on his club career and my young family, as well as to allow the next generation of Super Eagles stars the opportunity to step up and to flourish’.

Moses retires having scored 12 goals for his country.